Tired of the same old fundraisers? You know the ones, all speeches and awkward donations please? It’s time to shake things up! By adding some fun, low-key games, you can totally change the vibe of your event. People will get energized and excited, and the donations? They’ll just start rolling in. Whether you’re hosting a big party or a small virtual get-together, these ideas will get people involved and give them something to talk about long after the night is over.
Ready to make your next fundraiser unforgettable? Here are some simple games that are a blast to set up and even more fun to play.
Super Simple Games for Any Event
- The Prize Wheel Spin: Who doesn’t want to spin a wheel? This classic is everhit. Just set up a big, colorful wheel with prizes from small trinkets to bigger items. People pay a small fee to take a spin, and everyone gets to win something! It’s an easy way to get things started and keep the energy high.
- Heads or Tails Challenge: This game is so fast and fun. You don’t need any special equipment, just a coin! Everyone stands up, puts their hands on their heads or hips to make their guess. If they’re wrong, they sit down. The last person left standing wins a great prize. It’s a quick, high-energy activity you can do at any point during the event.
- Balloon Prize Pop: Imagine a wall of balloons, each one holding a secret prize inside. Guests pay to pop one and see what they’ve won. The suspense of not knowing what’s inside makes this a total crowd-pleaser for people of all ages.
- The Wine or Mystery Bag Pull: Want to add a bit of class and surprise? Try a wine pull! Guests pay a set amount to draw a numbered cork that matches a bottle of wine. If wine isn’t your thing, you can use mystery bags filled with a variety of prizes. It’s a fun game of chance that keeps everyone busy.
- Coin Toss Target Game: Here’s a no-fuss option. Set up a simple target like a bowl or a plate. People pay per toss, trying to land a coin on the target. You can distribute prizes on every win. It’s an easy game that keeps everyone connected.
More Unique Ideas for a Big Impact
- The Great Duck Race: This one is a little different with a lot of fun. Sell numbered rubber ducks to your supporters. Release ducks into a stream, a pond, or even a pool. Everyone cheers on their duck, and the one that crosses the line first wins. It’s a creative, family-friendly way to raise money that gets everyone excited.
- Themed Bingo Night: Bingo is always a good idea, but you can make it even better by giving it a theme! Think movies, music, or local trivia. Just sell the bingo cards and get some great donated prizes. You can host this in person or online.
- The Penny Wars: This game is perfect for getting a little competitive. Divide people into teams, each with their own jar. The goal is to fill your jar with pennies (positive points) while strategically dropping higher-value coins into your opponents’ jars (negative points). It’s a spirited, team-based game that encourages people to get serious about raising money.
Cool Ideas for Your Virtual Fundraiser
- Online Trivia Competition: For a virtual event, a themed trivia night is a total winner. Pick a theme that you think your audience will love which can be from famous shows to general knowledge. Charge a small entry fee and give a prize to the winning team. It’s a classic for a reason: it works!
- Virtual Escape Room Adventure: Want something new and exciting? Host a virtual escape room. Teams pay to enter and work together to solve puzzles and “escape” before time runs out. You can award a prize to the fastest team. This game is interactive, challenging, and a fresh take on online fundraising.
Adding a few of these games to your event will do so much more than just raise money. It’ll get people excited, make your fundraiser memorable, and have your supporters looking forward to what you’ll do next year.
